How to avoid flood water damage

The UK has been absolutely battered by wind, rain and flooding recently, and many of our usual driving routes now resemble the River Itchen, with roads submerged under floodwater. Water damage is one of the most serious types of damage a vehicle can suffer, with potential issues including bodywork and undertray damage, radiator damage, electrical faults and even engine hydrolock. Unfortunately, there may be times that you are caught out by flood water which is why we are sharing our top tips for navigating it safely. 

Consider alternative routes.

The first and most crucial step when encountering a flooded road is to assess the situation. Don't attempt to drive through the water until you've gathered sufficient information about the depth, current, and overall conditions of the flood. If the water is moving swiftly or you can't see the road beneath it, it's best to avoid driving through it. It only takes 30cm of fast moving water to be able to move a vehicle and only 15cm to take you off of your feet.  If there is the option to take an alternative route you should consider taking it. This may take a little longer but is the best way to guarantee that your car doesn't suffer any damage from flood water. We understand however that this is not always possible or you may be caught out suddenly so read on to find out the best ways to cross flood water.

Know your cars ability.

The good thing about cars is that there is one for everyone. They come in all shapes and sizes, some of which are better suited to off-road or treacherous journeys than others. When you first encounter flood water you need to ask yourself whether the car you're in is up to to job. If you are in an SUV with high ground clearance, all wheel drive and big tyres you're going to have a better time than the man in the low down sports car.  Take a good look at the obstacle ahead and decide whether you should proceed or not.

Don't follow, don't stop.

If you see other vehicles ahead it can be tempting to immediately follow suit. It is important however that you do not do so - instead you should let the car ahead clear the obstacle before attempting it yourself. This is because if the car ahead becomes stuck or decides to stop you could end up in a worse situation. The last thing you want to do while navigating flood water is come to a stop. Stopping in a flood can mean that water is forced into the engine, exhaust, or electrical systems, causing serious and costly damage. Keeping a steady, slow pace helps prevent water from entering vital components and reduces the risk of the engine stalling or hydro locking.  It is important to understand  that it takes less than a cups worth of water to cause serious damage to most engines so you really don't want to be taking on any water unnecessarily. 

Maintain a Slow and Steady Pace.

With the road ahead clear of other vehicles you are now ready to proceed at a slow and steady pace using first or second gear in a manual car. You want to maintain a walking pace of around 2-5mph while keeping the rev count stable ( to maintain exhaust pressure and reduce the risk of water ingress into the system). Keep this pace up until you are completely clear of the water.

The reason you should maintain a slow, steady pace rather than driving through floodwater at speed is that the impact of water can cause serious mechanical, electrical and bodywork damage. For example, the force and weight of the water can rip off the undertray, or be driven into lower air intakes, leading to severe engine damage. A slower speed with good outward exhaust pressure reduces the risk of this considerably. 

Stay in the Center of the Road.

If you feel that it is safe to do so, try and be in the middle of the road with your car. The middle of the road affords maximum visibility to both you and drivers around you which makes it an ideal position when navigating flood waters. Put your hazard lights on to ensure you are as visible as can be.  The middle of the road is generally higher than the edges which means the flood water will be more shallow (although this can change sometimes).

Be wary of submerged hazards.

Flood water can hide plenty of dangerous obstacles that could cause damage to your vehicle which of course means vehicle repair work will be needed. One particularly nasty hazard is drain covers that have been lifted or moved by the water. With drain covers sticking out at unusual angles there is a danger that you could catch your wheels or underside of your vehicle on them. There is also the risk that your cars wheels could become caught in an open drain. For this reason it is important to drive carefully through flood water.

Get it checked

If you have driven through flood water it is good practice to check the car over for damage or have your local garage check it over for you (that's us!  E&J Jarvis car servicing and repair centre). Hopefully these tips can help you navigate any flood waters you will come across in the future.